The Archaeology of Athens

by John M. Camp

The definitive work on the monuments of ancient Athens and Attica

In this book, a leading authority on the archaeology of ancient Greece presents a survey of the monuments—first chronologically and then site by site.

John M. Camp begins with a comprehensive narrative history of the monuments from the earliest times to the sixth century A.D. Drawing on literary and epigraphic evidence, including Plutarch’s biographies, Pausanias’s guidebook, and thousands of inscriptions, he discusses who built a given structure, when, and why. Camp presents dozens of passages in translation, allowing the reader easy access to the variety and richness of the ancient sources. In effect, this main part of the book provides an engrossing history of ancient Athens as recorded in its archaeological remains. The second section of the book offers in-depth discussions of individual sites in their physical context, including accounts of excavations in the modern era. Written in a clear and engaging style and lavishly illustrated, Camp’s archaeological tour of Athens is certain to appeal not only to scholars and students but also to visitors to the area.

Genres: History, Archaeology, Nonfiction, Greece, Classics, Architecture

340 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

About the author

John Camp is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Professor of Classics at Randolph-Macon College. He received his B.A. from Harvard University in 1968, and his M.A. (1972) and Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology (1977) from Princeton University. He has worked in the Athenian Agora since 1966, first as an excavator, later as assistant director, and now as the director, which he became in 1994.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent survey of Athenian archaeology (and that of Attica more generally). The book is divided into two parts: (1) a chronological/narrative overview (spanning the neolithic period through late antiquity); (2) brief individual site summaries, with plans and bibliography. The illustrations are largely high quality. Definitely recommended for any students of classical archaeology/classics, and for any enthusiasts or travelers who wish to familiarize themselves more thoroughly with ancient Athens than conventional guidebooks might allow.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible and useful guide to the archaeology of Athens. Camp gives a great survey, which is useful to build off of.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I already knew what was interesting about the most significant archaeological sights in Athens, but still decided to read this before going back again this month. I have to say I’m very glad I did.

This is a really excellent text. It is clear and well written, fully illustrated and comprehensive. A good read on its own, but an even better preparation before a visit to the city. I got a lot from this book; I looked at familiar things differently and discovered plenty that was new to me.

This was a pleasure to read at the time, but it also significantly enhanced my sightseeing.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book--well written and good illustrations. I would have liked some clear maps, but it did not detract from the book. I have been to many of the places Camp talks about in Attica, which helped visualize the sites he describes. I would recommend this book highly and am appreciative of Camp's diligent work on this topic.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of Athens.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and easy to understand. I learned a lot!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overview of Athenian history, framed by archaeological finds. A nice contextual survey followed by mini site summaries and bibliographies.